Police rushed her to Kindness Animal Hospital, where Dr. Jeff Zolkiewicz began life-saving measures. Ruby is improving after several surgeries but has more procedures ahead of her, police said.

"Dr. Zolkiewicz has made it his mission to save this dog," one of his colleagues told police.

And as Ruby’s injuries, appearance and possible need for special care in the future, make her an unlikely dog for adoption, Zolkiewicz plans to keep her himself. He has already covered the costs for her surgeries. Police who responded to the shooting are collecting money to help.